Game tips

How to Download Any Game on Chromebook on Linux: A Complete Guide

hoinhanh
How to Download Any Game on Chromebook on Linux: A Complete Guide

How to Download Any Game on Chromebook on Linux: A Complete Guide

How to Download Any Game on Chromebook on Linux: A Complete Guide

With the recent advancements in Chrome OS, using a Chromebook to download and play games has never been easier, especially for Linux games. Whether you’re a casual gamer looking to enjoy indie titles or a serious gamer wanting to dive deeper into the world of gaming, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive walkthrough on downloading and installing games on your Chromebook using Linux.

Step 1: Ensure Your Chromebook Is Up-to-Date

Before you start, make sure your Chromebook is running Chrome OS 69 or newer. This is crucial as the Linux (Crostini) functionality, allowing you to run Linux applications, was introduced in this version. You can check your current version by navigating to Settings > About Chrome OS. Here, you’ll see the version number; if it’s older than 69, consider updating your device.

Step 2: Enable Linux on Your Chromebook

To run Linux applications, you will need to enable the Linux feature on your Chromebook. Follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings: Click on the time in the lower-right corner of the screen, then click on the gear icon to access Settings.
  2. Advanced Settings: Scroll down and find the “Advanced” section. Click on it to expand.
  3. Developers: Look for “Developers” in the list and select it.
  4. Turn on Linux: Click on “Turn on” next to the Linux development environment option. Follow the prompts to set it up, which may take a few minutes.

Once Linux is enabled, a terminal window will open automatically, and your system will be ready to install Linux applications.

Step 3: Install a Linux File Manager (Optional but Recommended)

While not mandatory, installing a Linux file manager can make managing your downloaded files much easier. A popular choice is Double Commander. To install it, open the terminal and run the following command:

bash
sudo apt install -y doublecmd-qt

This command will download and install Double Commander, providing you with a user-friendly interface to navigate your Linux files.

Step 4: Downloading Linux Games

Now comes the exciting part: downloading games! You can find Linux-compatible games on various platforms, including Steam, itch.io, and others.

Using Steam

  1. Install Steam: You can install Steam directly from the terminal. Use the command:

bash
sudo apt install steam

  1. Launch Steam: Once installed, you can launch Steam from your app drawer and log into your account. Browse through the library and download any game that is compatible with Linux.

Using itch.io

If you’ve downloaded a game from itch.io, such as the DeathByMixer_demo1-1.0-linux.tar.bz2 mentioned, follow these steps to install it:

  1. Move the Game File: Ensure that the downloaded game file is located in your “Linux files” section, accessible via the Files app on your Chromebook.
  2. Extract the Game: Open the terminal and navigate to the directory where your game file is located. Use the following command to extract it:

bash
tar -xvjf DeathByMixer_demo1-1.0-linux.tar.bz2

This command will extract the files into a folder.

  1. Run the Game: Navigate to the extracted folder in the terminal, and look for an executable file (often named like the game). Use the following command to run the game:

bash
./game-file-name

Replace game-file-name with the actual name of the executable.

Step 5: Additional Tips

  • Check Game Requirements: Always check the game’s requirements to ensure your Chromebook can handle it. Some games may require specific libraries or dependencies.

  • Utilize the Google Play Store: If you want additional gaming options, consider downloading Android games from the Google Play Store. This feature is available on most modern Chromebooks.

  • Use an SD Card for Storage: If you’re running low on internal storage, you can download games directly to an SD card. Just ensure your SD card is formatted correctly and is set up as storage in your settings.

Conclusion

Downloading and installing games on a Chromebook using Linux is a straightforward process that opens up a world of gaming possibilities. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can enjoy a vast array of games, from indie gems on itch.io to popular titles on Steam. Embrace the world of gaming on your Chromebook, and happy gaming!